Wheelmill

ABSTRACT

A device is disclosed comprising a wheelmill having a cylindrical shape adapted to receive a rotatable shaft of a generator and a one way clutch housed within the inner portion of the wheelmill in communication with the shaft such that said shaft may rotate in one direction only and a generator in communication with the shaft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 13/374,229 filed Dec. 11, 2011 by Torek Thompkins. The specification of this application is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of energy generation.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright—A portion of the disclosure of this document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in publically available Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software, data, and/or screenshots which may be described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright Torek Al-Amin Thompkins, All Rights Reserved.

BACKGROUND

Generators for producing energy work by collecting and converting kinetic energy created through mechanical means such as a spinning action. Windmills are an example. There have also been attempts to generate energy based on the movement of vehicles.

One type of device for electricity generation in motor vehicles makes use of a ground engagement wheel. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,334 to Al Dokhi claims a ground dragging wheel on the undercarriage of a vehicle connected to a pulley operating to spin the shaft of a generator. This configuration requires movement of the vehicle in order to produce energy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,907 to Weihe discloses a similar ground engagement wheel as Al-Dokhi except that the ground engagement wheel is used simply as a gear to move the vehicle wheel, not for producing energy (the wheel is itself powered by solar panels on the roof of the vehicle claimed).

Another example of electrical generation from vehicles is regenerative braking. These systems only create energy while braking or going downhill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a detailed view of an embodiment of the wheelmill of the device.

FIG. 2 is a view of the wheelmill showing connectivity to a shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 3 shows the device mounted to a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the wheelmill of the device showing a one way clutch in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view of the device showing rotation on the wheel of a vehicle and the shaft of the wheelmill, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view of the wheelmill in communication with a wheel, showing the axes of the wheel and wheelmill and rotation of both, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an alternate view of the wheelmill in communication with a wheel in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the device installed on a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the wheelmill showing flexible shock absorbing spokes within the wheelmill body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is an improved device for generating energy. When coupled with the wheel of a vehicle, the device produces energy even when the vehicle has stopped or is moving in reverse. The device generates energy when vehicle stops/reverses if its previous momentum has not yet dissipated. The device preferably comprises a generator and wheelmill having an opening for receiving a shaft of the generator, such that the rotation of the wheelmill results in the generation of energy by the device. The device is adapted for mounting on a vehicle such that the wheelmill contacts the inner surface of a wheel of a vehicle. The generator and shaft connecting the generator to the wheelmill are preferably mounted to the vehicle's undercarriage. Improvements include a one-way clutch which allows wheelmill to spin bidirectionally while negating the connected shaft from backspin. The device improves on previous techniques for generation of energy from the movement of a vehicle wheel. The improvements include the adaptation for attachment to the inner surface of the wheel and configuration permitting rotation of the wheelmill in one direction only. This configuration is advantageous because it allows for more efficient energy production, as described below. This disclosure will first address the construction of the device. Next, it will explain how the device operates to produce energy.

The device disclosed may be a wheelmill coupled with a shaft and generator or the wheelmill alone. FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of wheelmill 101 of the device. Wheelmill 101 is shaped like a wheel and is preferably comprised of a one way clutch 103 surrounded by the wheelmill's inner rim 105. Inner rim 105 may be a rigid metal, hollow or solid. The material used may be aluminum because it dissipates heat well and is lightweight, however a heavier material may be used. Inner rim 105 is in movable communication with and surrounded by body 107. The inner rim 105 serves to put the one way clutch 103 in communication with the body 107, however, body may be in direct communication with clutch 103 as shown in FIG. 2. Body 107 may be solid rubberized material with tread on its outer surface 109, 209.

Clutch 103 may be any one way clutch known in the art for allowing the disengagement of the shaft spin when the vehicle wheel slows or stops. Transposed within clutch 103, there is preferably a threaded inlet 111 so that a shaft 201 may be screwed into cavity 203 (which is preferably centrally located) through the opening 211 in the threaded inlet 111, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the wheelmill 101 where body 107, 205 are in direct communication with clutch 103, 207. As depicted, clutch 207 is transposed within body 205 such that its depth within body 205 is half the depth of body 207. However, clutch 207 may transpose the length of the body 207 in other embodiments. While a screw mechanism is present in the preferred embodiment, alternate connection means for communicating the shaft to the wheelmill known in the art are anticipated and may be used.

FIG. 3 shows the device attached to a vehicle. Although the vehicle shown in FIG. 3 is an automobile, the term “vehicle” for the purpose of this disclosure shall mean any device having at least one wheel which may move in at least a forward direction through mechanical or electrical means. In the preferred embodiment, “vehicle” refers to an automobile (powered by either electricity, an internal combustion engine or a combination of both), however vehicle may refer to a scooter, motorcycle, Segway, or even bicycle or unicycle.

The device preferably comprises wheelmill 301 and generator 303, in communication via shaft 305. The shaft 305 is rotatably connected to generator 303, such as a rotor shaft, such that the rotation of the shaft 305 also drives the generator to produce energy. FIG. 3 also shows the device adapted such that wheelmill 301 is placed on the outer circumference of the vehicle's wheel 308. Generator 303 is connected to the vehicle, preferably on vehicle frame 309. Connections 311 may be any connections known in the art for attaching generator 303 to the vehicle frame 309. Connections may be metal fasteners with screws 313 attaching generator 303 to the vehicle frame 309.

The wheelmill 101, 301 attaches to a shaft 305 preferably via screw fastened in the threaded inlet 111, 315, which in turn is connected to a generator 303. Generator 303 is described in more detail below, however, it is a standard generator know in the art for producing energy. It should be noted that an alternator may also be used. Generator 303 is preferably coupled with at least one battery for storing the energy generated by the generator 303. Alternatively, generator 303 may be in communication with the vehicle's battery for return of the energy to the vehicle. Such connections between the generator 303 and a battery or other energy storage would be via electrical wiring with respective negative and positive leads for attachment to a battery. The shaft is a solid piece of metal, such as steel. This shaft rotatably communicates with generator 303.

The configuration of the device allows for the continued production of energy even when the vehicle stops or is in reverse. In other words, the device permits the harnessing of residual momentum due to the forward rotation of the shaft to produce energy even if the vehicle wheel has stopped. The one way clutch 103 allows the shaft 201 to continue to spin even when the car is slowing down or there is a sudden brake, thereby negating of the backspin of the shaft when the car is in reverse or when the car slows. The shaft 201 will continue to spin so as to generate electricity in the generator 303 even when the body 107 and inner rim 105 of the wheelmill spinning slows or stops due to the vehicle's change in forward motion. In the case of a sudden braking, the body 107 and inner rim 105 will slow or stop moving in accordance with the vehicle's wheel movement; however, because the one way clutch will disengage in that event, hub 417 will continue its forward motion (therefore shaft 201 will continue to spin to create electricity generation) until the momentum created by the previous forward drive dissipates or the vehicle wheel re-engages at a forward spin at a rate higher than the then-present shaft spin. This means that electrical generation continues until either the momentum dissipates, or more forward drive is applied that increases the body 401 revolutions. Another advantage to the disclosed configuration is that the forward momentum of the spinning shaft does not interfere with or negate the car wheel itself coming to a stop or slowing down.

FIG. 4 is another view of the wheelmill of the device depicting arrows to show movement of the various components of the wheelmill. Hub 417 is another term to describe the location of the one way clutch which moves independently of inner rim 411, 105 and body 401, 107 when the vehicle's wheel slows or stops—allowing the shaft to continue to spin to produce electricity within the generator 303, even when the vehicle slows or stops. A racheted one way clutch is shown, but other types of one way clutch for disengaging the shaft rotation from the body 401 rotation may be used, such as the racheted one way clutch systems used in bicycles allowing for the continued rotation of the wheels when the driver has stopped pedaling. All three components 405, 105, and 107 move in the same direction when the vehicle is moving forward. This is because paw 415 locks against the rachets when the wheel (and therefore body 401) are moving in the clockwise direction, A. Components 105 and 107 move together in both forward and reverse movement.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the device mounted to a wheel arm 501 and also showing the rotation of the wheel 503 and wheelmill 100, respectively. Generator 505 is preferably attached to wheel arm on the vehicle. In most vehicles, the wheel sits on a shock absorption component under the car. As the shocks move up and down, the wheel arm moves in conjunction with this movement. Therefore, the preferred connection of the generator will be to the wheel arm 501. This will allow for movement of the device in harmony with the vehicle as the vehicle encounters irregular road surface conditions, such as bumps or potholes. Generator 505 may also be fixedly or removably mounted to other portions of the undercarriage, such as a vehicle frame.

The preferred construction of the wheelmill body is at least partially a rubberized material on the outer surface of body 109. Body 109 may also be metal or a combination of metal and a rubberized material. Body 109 may also be any material with give so as to absorb shock. Body 109 may also have a grooved surface similar to a tire for providing increased traction for receiving the rotational push from the vehicle wheel. When the vehicle encounters bumps on the road, the rubber will still be firm enough to be rotated by the vehicle's wheel, but also compress slightly when encountering a bump—without interruption of spin.

FIG. 8 shows the preferred embodiment of the device such that the wheelmill 801 is in communication with the inside surface 803 of the wheel 805. This Figure also shows an alternate view of rotatable shaft 807 in communication with generator 809, mounted to the vehicle undercarriage 811 via mounting plate 813. Other connection means may be used, and the generator may also be in communication with a battery for storage, or supply energy directly to the vehicle. This figure also shows the unique location of wheelmill 801, as it makes use of the inner surface 803 of the outer circumference of the wheel 805 to push the wheelmill so as to rotate it, and subsequently the shaft 807, so as to produce electricity within generator 811.

Because the wheelmill is pushed by the force exerted by the moving wheel at the place where the wheelmill is in contact with the wheel, it will spin and draw from the torque produced by the wheel. The advantage of the device is that the device will produce more energy from the rotation of the wheel than can be produced by the wheel itself. This is because the circumference of the wheelmill is smaller than the wheel, and therefore can complete revolutions at a higher rate than the vehicle wheel.

FIG. 9 is an example alternate embodiment of the wheelmill 900 where the wheelmill 900 is constructed of flexible, preferably rubberized, material. The flexible nature of the outer wall 901 of the wheelmill may be accomplished also by the use of flexible spokes 903 connecting the outer wall 901 to an inner wall 905, where the outer wall 901 is constructed of flexible, preferably rubberized material. The advantage to this construction is that the outer portion of the wheelmill may compress and decompress when the wheelmill subjected to jostling forces (such as when the vehicle is driving forward on bumpy terrain) while still allowing the shaft (in communication with wheelmill 900 at point 907) to continue to spin.

The configuration of the disclosed device simplifies the structure and increases the stability of devices for collecting energy from the movement of motor vehicles. For example, the device directly connects the spinning shaft with the rotation of the wheel of the vehicle, due to the communication of wheelmill directly with the wheel. Devices which make use of pulley systems are not as efficient, as any transfer of mechanical force from one component to another naturally results in loss of energy. Another advantage is that the device's wheelmill is configured for placement on the inner circumference of the wheel. Not only does this allow for a more direct communication between shaft rotation and wheel rotation obviating the need for pulleys and additional gears, it also protects the wheelmill from nonuniform environments present in a ground engagement system. For instance, a ground engagement wheel may traverse over sand and momentarily cease rotating (and simply drag). In that event, there can be no power generation. In contrast, the wheelmill is exposed to a uniform environment, the inside of the wheel. The wheelmill will therefore only cease spinning if there is no more forward drive and the residual forward momentum has dissipated.

FIG. 6 is shown to illustrate the way in which the device generates energy from the wheel in excess of the energy that could be produced if a generator and shaft were attached to the wheel itself. The main reason is that the device's wheelmill makes more revolutions per unit time, thus generating more energy at a generator having a given torque than would the wheel itself.

An example is provided in reference to FIG. 6: Imagine circle (A) is an 18″ diameter wheel rim, and circle (B) is a 2″ diameter wheelmill. The rotational axis of (A) is (a). The rotational axis of (B) is (b). When circle (A) rotates clockwise, traction between its inner surface (C), rolls circle (B) in the same clockwise direction. Because circle (B) is 9 times smaller than circle (A), it can complete a 360 degree turn, 9 times more than (A). Therefore, for every revolution of circle (A), circle (B) is rolled 9 times. The number of revolutions is measured by RPMs and is related to power and torque via the equation, Power=RPMs×Torque/5252.

FIG. 7 is provided to illustrate a sample calculation of power output and comparison between the wheel v. wheelmill energy output and production. One difference is that RPMs for a wheel and the wheelmill are different. Circle (A) represents a vehicle wheel rim moving forward, revolving clockwise. The vehicle uses torque coupled with RPMs (horsepower) to turn the rim (A). The direction of vehicle torque (D) is used to propel the vehicle forward. A portion of the vehicle's torque is used to rotate the wheelmill (B), which is connected to the shaft of a generator. Torque resistance of (B) is determined by the ratings of the connected generator. Opposing force of the wheelmill (B) is represented by arrow (E). In this comparison, we assume the vehicle is driven 40 miles in one hour, by a 200 lb-ft torque flat curve electric motor, with an attached wheelmill generator rated 5 kW at 6726 rpms.

Vehicle power output vs. Wheemill production: Vehicle vs. Wheelmill device Torque 200 lb-ft   5.2 lb-ft RPMs 747 rpm 6726 rpm Torque × RPMs = Power (horsepower, hp) Power loss to wheelmill 5.2 lb-ft @  747 = .74 hp/hr Wheelmill production 5.2 lb-ft @ 6726 = 6.7 hp/hr

This example shows a wheelmill production of 6.7 hp, for the cost of 0.74 hp.

The vehicle loses an extra 0.74 hp in 1 hour towards turning the wheelmill (B). Wheelmill (B) produces 6.7 hp in that same 1 hour. Therefore, the Power gain=5.96 hp.

The above examples and embodiments have been provided, however the inventive concepts disclosed may be otherwise variously embodied and employed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising A wheelmill having a cylindrical shape adapted to receive a rotatable shaft of a generator; A one way clutch housed within the inner portion of the wheelmill in communication with the shaft such that said shaft may rotate in one direction only; and a generator in communication with the shaft.
 2. The device as in claim 1, wherein the device is coupled with a vehicle such that the wheelmill rotatably communicates with the inner surface of the vehicle's wheel.
 3. The device as in claim 1, wherein the device is coupled with a storage unit for storing electrical energy.
 4. The device as in claim 4, wherein the storage unit is a battery.
 5. A device comprising: a wheelmill having a cylindrical shape adapted to receive a rotatable shaft of a generator, the wheelmill further comprising a body having the shape of a wheel; an inner rim lining the interior surface of the body wherein the inner rim surrounds a one way clutch for receiving the shaft of the generator; a shaft in communication with the one way clutch, wherein the shaft of the generator further comprises means for connecting said shaft to the one way clutch; a generator coupled with the shaft adapted for producing electricity due to the rotation of the shaft; wherein the device is coupled with a vehicle such that the wheelmill rotatably communicates with the inner surface of the vehicle's wheel.
 6. The device as in claim 5, wherein the device is removably mounted to the vehicle.
 7. The device as in claim 5, wherein the device is coupled with a storage unit for storing electrical energy.
 8. The device as in claim 7, wherein the storage unit is a battery. 